Vehicle suspension and control for steering wheels



A. s. KRoTz 2,555,649

VEHICLE SUSPENSION AND CONTROL FOR STEERING WHEELS June 5, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 NLE-HEL HMH 5%@- www Filed April 50, 1945 June 5, 1951 A. s. KROTZ 2,555,649

VEHICLE SUSPENSION lLND CONTROL EOE STEERING WHEELS Filed April SO, 1945 s Shams-Sheet s,

Patented June 5, 1951 VEHICLE SUSPENSION AND CONTROL FOR STEERING WHEELS Alvin S. Krotz, Akron, Ohio, assignor to The B. F.

Goodrich Company, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application April 30, 1945, Serial No. 591,215

6 Claims.

The invention relates to suspension and steering systems for vehicles and especially to suspension systems of the independent wheel suspension type utilizing rubber as the springing medium and to steering systems for the dirigible wheels of such suspension systems.

Objects of the invention are to provide improved riding qualities of the vehicle; to provide improved steering qualities of the vehicle;

to provide an improved independent suspension providing eiiectively for cushioning movements in all directions; and to provide an improved wheel mounting and suspension of a compact unitary character which makes possible improved vehicle design and construction.

Other objects are to provide in the wheel suspension of the independent type for transmitting the supported load to the wheel through a single supporting arm and a spring of resilient rubberlike material by torsional stress of such material and to provide for wheel deection with low change in the camber, the track, and the caster thereof; to provide effectively for counteracting the ducking tendency of the front end of the vehicle under braking action; to provide for electively absorbing and cushioning shock, especially with little `or no effect on the steering action; to provide effectively for wheel deilection with little or no eiiect on the steering action; and to provide for supporting steering means directly from the wheel suspension structure and permitting relative movement therebetween.

Further objects of the invention are to provide for maintaining an adequate range of springing movement under all conditions of load by maintaining the vehicle body at a constant or substantially constant height with respect to the wheels; to provide for iully automatic loperation in this regard; and to provide strength of construction v-.fith light weight and reliability and s effectiveness of operation.

These and other objects and advantages. will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan View from above of a vehicle chassis including suspension and steering systems constructed in accordance with and embodying the invention, parts being broken away,

Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the left iront dirigible wheel mounting and suspension, parts being broken away,

3 is a side elevation of the left rear wheel mounting, the wheel assembly being shown in hen lines and parts being broken away and in Fig. 5 is a sectional view of such mechanism taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 4,

Fig. 6 is a plan view from above of the wheel mounting and suspension shownV in Fig. 2, parts being broken away and in section,

Fig. 'l is a sectional view taken along line 1 1 of Fig. 6 and showing a height adjusting mechanism, parts being broken away,

Fig. 8 is a plan view from above of an hydraulic steering system for the vehicle, parts being broken away and in section, and

Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken along line -3-3 of Fig. 8 and showing a rotary vane type pump, parts being broken away.

In the illustrative embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, the vehicle includes a frame or ibody structure l5 supported by front and rear wheels I6, Il, I8 and i9 sprung by torsion spring assemblies of resilient rubber or rubber-like material adapted to transmit the supported load by torsional stress on the rubber. Such wheels are desirably provided with suitable pneumatic tires |60, Hc, I8c and |90 for cushioning purposes.

The frame l5 includes main side rails 20,y 2|, `of channel sections connected by cross-members 22, 23 and includes X-members 24, 25 reinforced at the center by upper and lower gusset plates 26, 21 and anchored at the corner junctions of the side rails and cross-members. Corner plates 28, 29, 30, 3| additionally stiifen the frame. Spacedapart side rails 32, 33 including brackets 34, 35 project forwardly from the upwardly bent crossmember 22 at the front of the vehicle for facilitating mounting a gasoline engine or other suit- .able power plant 3S and transmission 3l on the frame, the transmission 3l being suitably connected as by a drive shaft 31a with the finaldrive in a housing |53. Spaced-apart side rails 33, 39 connected by cross-members 4i), 4I, project rearwardly from the cross-member 23 at the rear of the vehicle and are vbent upwardly to form a kick-up over swingable half-axles 42, 43 to lower the center of gravity and allow room for spring-action. The respective parts of the frame are united as by welding, riveting, bolting or other suitable fastening means and are arranged to give greatest strength of construction consistent with light weight.

The suspensions Ilia and Ila, of the front wheels I6 and ll, as shown especially in Figs. 1, 2 and 6, are of the independent type in the sense that vertical movement of one wheel above or below its normal position is accompanied by little or no change in the deflection of the other Wheel. The invention provides for springing the front wheels relative to the frame or body structure l5 by means of a pair of resilient rubber torsion spring assemblies '15, 46 mounted on the frame and arranged in a diagonal manner such that their axes extend obliquely outward with respect to the vertical longitudinal ,center-plane i560 of the vehicle. While the spring assemblies may be arranged in various ways and the frame or other structure varied accordingly, in the arrangement illustrated in the drawings, the axes of the springs converge toward the front of the vehicle. The assemblies are adapted to transmit the supported load byV torsional stress on the rubber and to permit llimited cushioned movement in all directions so that in effect the springs tend to nd their own axes.

The construction and arrangement of the suspensions !Ga and ila for the front wheels being substantially the same v.except for the respective right and left hand positioning, only the suspension 16a lfor the left front wheel i6 will be described in detail hereinafter. The torsion spring -.assembly lit comprises a body 4l of resilient rubber or rubber-like material, preferably annular, having an inner shaft element 48 of metal or other strong rigid material and an outer sleeve structure 49 of suitable strong material, which outer sleeve structure is may be circumferentially continuous as shown or maybe in the form of separate metal .sleeve sections, and the rubber body 41 is held 1in non-rotative relation to the 'in-ner .shaft element and the .outer sleeve structure such, for example, as `by vulcanization and bonding thereto. The torsion spring assembly i5 being diagonally positioned relative to the veritical longitudinal center-plane or plane of symmetry |50, ofthevehicle in the mannershown in the drawings, may be supported rotatably on journal extensions 50, l of mounting plates 52, 53 detac'hably secured tothe bracket 3e and the X-member as by spaced-apart bolt fastener means EM, the journal extensions telescopically kengagingiend portions :of the linner shaft element 4B, as shown especially in Fig. 6. Preferably, a sealing ring 55 of suitable rubber-like material is pcsitionedat a projecting flange 56 of the journal extension 52'incont'act with the end of the inner shaft it for vpreventing the entrance of vforeign'matter such as oil, dirt and water at such .end of the inner shaft, the outwardly projecting `flange 56 functioning to position the inner shaft '48 on the journal extension 52 and prevent relative axial movement therebetween. The other end of vthe inner shaft i8 may also be similarly ypositioned on the Vjournal 5I 'adjacent the plate .53 and be sealed by a suitable sealing Yring i5?.

This mounting arrangement ofthe torsionV spring -assembly it provides e'ifcctively for cushioning movements Vin all directions by the resilient rubber body 31, which permits some relative Inovement, longitudinally, transversely and vrotatively, between the inner shaft t8 and the outer sleeve 49, this being advantageous in diminishing roadsh'ock impacts and harshness of riding qualities.

A supporting arm G integrally secured at one .endto the-outer-sleeve is projects forwardly relative to the axis ita of the torsion spring assembly 46, as shownespecially in Figs. 2 and. 6. The supporting arm t@ may be `bifurcated at Athe `outer l.end 4and -have spaced-apart pivot bearings i5 i, 62

Vfor providing `a .pivotal ,or king-pin axis 63 Vwith .a .member 56 rigid vwith a wheel spindle 64 and `brakespiderplate the arrangement .being such that the wheel has a steering or turning move-- ment about such axis. As shown in Fig. .2, this axis is canted somewhat as viewed from the front to provide a scrubbing radius for the wheel contact with the roadsurface.

The wheel it is rotatably mounted on the wheel rspindle v(is which spindle is xed to the nonrotating brake spider plate @5 and the member E56, which member is rigid-ly connected to a steering arm iii! extending angularly forward with respect to the axis of such spindle. The steering arm Se is pivot-ally connected at its forward end to Ya steering rod 67!- of steering mechanism more fully described hereinafter.

Such mounting and suspension arrangement for the frontwheel le makes possible transmitting road shocks and loads directly to the frame 'iii or body structure ata region thereof of relatively great structural Strength and stiffness. Thus, objectionable misalignment of the respective parts of the suspension due to distortion of f the frame by such shocks is avoided effectivelyr at the same time with a .minimum of supporting parts of 'the frame.

The diagonal suspension utilizing rubber as the vspringing vmedium provides in a single compact assembly combined advantageous operating characteristics not found entirely in prior constructions employing longitudinal or transverse arrangements. torsion spring axis disposed longitudinally of the vehicle, the wheel supporting arms have been relatively short in 'length because of space limitations laterally of the vehicle, being generally less than one-'half the width of the vehicle. Such 'short supporting arm mounting of the wheel rethe track andcamber of the wheels, in objectionably large change in the caster thereof, and in diculty Vof providing for steering clearances.

'Also, such transverse spring constructions have low resistance to .roll or side-sway of the vehicle; since the roll center of the front wheel geometry being substantially at the level of the groundcontact points of the wheels, is relatively far removed vertically from the center of gravity of the suspended parts of the vehicle resulting in a relatively long effective moment arm between the center of gravity and the roll center.

However, the front wheel suspension shown in the drawings, having the torsion spring axis 4ta disposed diagonally of the vehicle about 'which axis the supporting arm and wheel swing,

overcomes the disadvantages of the prior constructions by virtue of a new relationship of ycooperating elements comprising such suspens1on. Y

An advantage of the diagonally arranged front wheel suspension, as shown, resides in the fact that the instantaneous roll center of the front wheel geometry lies above the plane of ground contact and may be substantially as high as the axis of the torsion spring assembly i6 so as to be closer vertically to the center of gravity of the suspended parts resulting in a relatively shorter effective moment arm between the center of gravity and the roll center than in the prior arrangement hereinabove discussed; therefore such diagonal suspension is relatively highly resistant to roll of the vehicle during turning movement thereof.

In prior constructions having a- A further advantage of the diagonal suspension arrangement Ilia, for example, is that the front wheel l5 is supported elastically from the frame l5 in a manner obviating the use of the conventional pseudo-parallelogram linkage generally found in some types of independent wheel sus pensions, which diagonal wheel arrangement thereby advantageously makes possible a practical and improved single arm wheel mounting and suspension of a compact unitary character facilitating improved vehicle design and construction. Under wheel deflection, the front wheel l5 swings about the diagonally positioned axis @6a of the torsion spring assembly dfi, the tangible arm of such swinging movement being in a plane perpendicular to such torsion spring axis 46a and extending from a center in such plane on the torsion spring axis to the king-pin axis 63 at the center-line of the wheel spindle 54, i. e. substantially the length of the supporting arm 6i] relative to the torsion spring axis.

However, by virtue of such diagonal arrangement, the lengths of the intangible or effective arms of swinging movement of the suspension extending in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the vehicle are each considerably greater than the length of the tangible arm of swinging movement or supporting arm E50, thereby promoting improved riding and steering qualities of the vehicle.

The effective arm extending longitudinally of the vehicle lies in a vertical plane coincidental with the center-line lb of the wheel l5 and extends rearwardly of the center-line 'Lilia of the wheel spindle 64 to a center 4617 at the intersection of such plane and the rearward prolongation of the axis 46a of the torsion spring assem'- bly 45. The longitudinal effective arm is relatively long as compared to the supporting arm Gil resulting in a desirably small change in the a.

caster under wheel deflection thereby substantially maintaining the desired steering characteristics of the vehicle throughout the normal wheel stroke, and is also sufficiently long to effect the desired resultant upward force on the frame rearwardly of the wheel to balance the weight transferred to the front wheel under braking of the vehicle thereby advantageously counteracting the tendency of the front of the vehicle to duck The effective arm extending transversely of the vehicle lies in a vertical plane passing through the point of road-contact of the wheel l5 and extends from such point of road-contact to a center Me at the intersection of such plane and the forward prolongation of the axis of the torsion spring assembly 46, which center 3Go may be at the vertical longitudinal center-plane ida and for the arrangement shown is desirably located beyond the vertical longitudinal centerplane Ilia of the vehicle in the direction away from the wheel I. Such transverse effective arm is relatively long (greater than one-half the width of the vehicle for the arrangement shown in Fig. 1) as compared to the supporting Fifi resulting in a desirably low rate of change in the camber and track of the wheel Iii for the effective range of wheel deflection.

Some change in camber is ordinarily desirable, that is, loss of camber as the wheel lifts andI increase in camber as it drops, as this results in keeping the wheel more nearly perpendicular to the road surface during sway or roll and thereby increases the cornering power of the wheel. However, too great an amount of change in camber, especially in the usual range `oi" wheel deflection, will cause gyroscopic forces which tend to disturb steering control.

Also, there is a distinct advantage in having a controlled amount of change in track in each wheel as it lifts or falls, the contact point of the wheel on the road moving outwardly as the wheel lifts and moving inwardly as it drops, as this action resists the tendency of the vehicle to roll on turns, or in effect, raises the roll center for those wheels. However, too great a change in track, particularly for small amplitudes of wheel deflection or stroke, is objectionable because it causes some transverse loading of the wheel which in turn has been found to develop a turning movement about the king-pin axis. A preferred compromise for both camber and track change is an effective transverse arm length of half or more than half the width of the wheel track, which result is obtained by the construction shown in the drawings.

If desired, the axis 46a of the torsion spring assembly .5 may be inclined downwardly in the forward direction for moving the road-contact point of the wheel in the forward direction as the wheel lifts toward the frame thereby further resisting the tendency of the front end of the vehicle to duck during braking action. Such inclined arrangement of the torsion spring is more fully described and claimed in my Patent #2,226,406 for Vehicle fWheel Mounting, granted December 24, 1940.

While the rubber of the torsion spring assembly 45 (45) possesses a degree of shock-absorbing ability, it is desirable that a direct-action shock absorber 10 (1|) be provided, preferably doubleacting, one end of the shock absorber being pivotally fastened as by a ball and socket connection 'l2 to the frame l5 or body structure of the vehicle, while the otherend of the shock absorber may be secured to the brake spider E5 as by a similar connection 13, which connections '12, 'i3 are preferably lubricated or rubber cushioned. Such pivotal arrangement provides for relative swinging movement about the axes of the connections 12, 13 and for the cooperation of the shock absorber with the torsion spring assembly in cushioning effectively road shocks whether the wheel be in position for motion of translation of the vehicle in a straight path or in a curved path.

This arrangement further provides eiective shock-absorbing action under wheel deflection without objecitonable hindrance to normal steering action. In addition, such arrangement is effective during steering in providing damping action to control undesirable movements often referred to as wheel disturbance or wheel fight which control is desirable especially in wheel suspensions having change in camber during deflection. This advantageous function results from the construction shown, wherein the lower pivotal connection 'i3 is spaced radially from the king-pin axis and describes an arcuate path about such axis during steering, which alters the condition of the shock-absorber lll such as to cause displacement of the iiuid therein thereby providing the desired damping action during both steering movements and wheel deflection.

Although the steering means for the dirigible front Wheels I6 and Il may be a mechanical linkage arrangement, it is desirable for effectiveness of operation and simplicity of construction `that such steering means be of a fluid-operated includes a pair of pressure-liquid operated motors including double-acting pistons 15, 16 within cylinders 11, 18 carried by the supporting arms 68,

68a of the torsion spring assemblies 65, i6 at Yrods 61, 61a extend through the other ends of Ythe cylinders 1,1, 18 and carry the pistons 15, v16 whereby reciprocating movement of the pistons acting through the steering rods causes the steering arms 68, 68a to rotate about the king-pin axis 63 for turning the wheels i6, I1. A suitable pump 83, which may be of the rotary vane type,

for supplying pressure-liquid to the motors for actuating the double-acting piston and cylinder constructions is connected thereto by a substantially sealed primary piping system or circuit including flexible conduits 84, 85, 86 in communication with'a iiuid chamber 98 of the pump 83 and with the piston chambers of the cylinders 11, 18 at the respective ends thereof, which piping system'contains'fluid under pressure continuously, if desired. The pump 83 includes a rotatable impeller in the form of a rotor 81 having radial -vanes 88, which rotor is mounted on a shaft 89 and disposed eccentrically within the fluid chamber `S30-of a casing 9|. outwardly as by springs for maintaining sliding vcontact with the wall of the chamber 98 during The varies 88 are urged rotation of the rotor 81 bythe turning of the's'haft 89 or steering column on Which'shaft a steering wheel 62 may be mounted, as shown especially vin Figs. 8 and 9. The assembly opump, steering vcolumn and steering wheel may be advantageously disposed as a unit at a suitable location such as the left side or, if desired, at theY right side or even in the center of the driving compartment of the vehicle.

The fluid conduit 86 interconnects theA discharge sides of the steering motors at the cylinders 11, 18 at their inner ends nearest the pivotal connections 19, 80 and includes desirably an adjustor-restrictor member 83 intermediate such cylinders for damping out fluid-surges in the conduit 86 between the respective pistons 15, 16 to control non-recurring impacts on the wheels I 6, I1 and/or periodic excitations of the wheels and the steering system and to permit adjusting the front wheel alignment byY adjusting the fluid volume in the conduit 86. Fluid under pressure completely lls the piston chambers rearwardly of the pistons 15, 16 in the cylinders 11, 18 and the conduit 86 with little or no leakage occurring past the pistons, whereby such sealed and balanced portion of the primary circuit at the dischargeV side of the steering motors functions advantageously as an independent liquid interconnection directly between the steering motors and an hydraulic tie-rod between the front wheels assuring their coincidental turning movement in steering the vehicle and hydraulically maintaining their alignment.

The remainder of the primary circuit at the operating sides of the steering motors comprises the actuating or driving portion which includes the conduits 84, 85 and the pump 83, and which driving portion of the circuit is operatively associated with the balanced portion of the circuit to transfer fluid to and from the cylinders 11, 18 to move the pistons 15, 16. The fluid conduit 84, which is in communication at one side of the pump 83 with the fluid chamber 98, extends from the pump to the outer end of the cylinder 11. The fluid conduit extends similarly from the other side of the pump 63 to the outer end of the other cylinder 18.

The fiexible conduits 84, 85, 86 in combination with the double-acting piston and cylinder assemblies permit selectively pumping fluid, such as a suitable oil or other liquid, under pressure into the cylinders 11, 18 at either of the respective forward ends thereof, thereby causing coacting reciprocation of the pistons 15, 16 to actuate the steering rods 61, 61a and the steering arms 68,V

68a in a manner to turn the wheels.

For maintaining the pump, the cylinders, and the piping system, especially conduits 84, S5, completely filled with oil at all times, a fluid reservoir 55 having a spring-operated piston 95a therein may be connected to the piping system through suitable Y-arranged` conduits 66, 81, 88, the conduits 81 and 88 being in communication with the flexible conduits 84, 85. The duid-feeding conduits 81, 68 include suitable check Valves 66, E86 for permitting inow of make-up oil Linder pressure and for preventing reverse flow of oil from the piping system toward the fluid reservoir 85, especially when the pump 83 is operating. Such reservoir may have a detachable end closure I8! for facilitating the addition of make-up oil to the piping system to compensate for leakage losses of oil.

In the steering operation, the steering wheel 82 may be rotated, for example, in the clockwise direction looking toward the front of the vehicle and such notation by its continuous turning of the impeller or rotor 81 causes the rotary pump 83 to draw oil from the conduit 55 of the driving portion of the circuit and pump oil under pressure into the conduit 84, which moves the piston 15 in the cylinder 11 toward the end nearest the pivotal connection 88. Oil under pressure flows through the conduit 86 of the balanced portion of the circuit into the other cylinder 18 at the end nearest the pivotal connection 19 which forces the piston 16 to move toward the other end of the cylinder 18. Such reciprocating movements of the pistons actuate the steering rods 61, 61a and the steering arms 68, 68a in a manner to pivot the wheels I6, I1 about the king-pin axes 63, 63 toward the right side of the vehicle for turning the latter to the right. Similarly, rotation of the steering wheel 82 in the counter-clockwise direction reverses the direction of oil flow through the conduits 84, 85, 86 thus moving the pistons 15, 16 in the cylinders 11, 18 in the opposite directionsV whereby the wheels I6, I1 are turned toward the left side of the vehicle for turning the latter to the left. Such a huid-operated steering arrangement makes possible effectively steering the vehicle unaffected by wheel deiiection and in a manner wholly responsive to the will of the operator, and also provides sensitivity of steering control independent of Wheel deflection together with providing for hydraulically maintaining Vwheel alignment, for damping out sideward roadshocks or other disturbances of the wheels and for resisting transmission of such disturbances through the steering system to the operator.

To the end of automatically maintaining an adequate range of springing movement of the front wheels under all conditions of load together with softness of springing despite variations in load, the invention provides automatic adjusting means in association with the torsion spring assemblies 45, 46, as shown especially in Figs. 1, 2 and 4 to '1. The automatic adjusting means includes adjusting arm structures |05,

fixed to the journaled inner shaft elements of such spring assemblies adjacent the X-members 24, 25 of the frame I5. While the arm structures |05, |00 may be swung to positions of adjustment by various constructions, in the illustrated arrangement this is accomplished by cam and follower mechanisms |01, |03 operable through a pivoted linkage structure including link members |09, H0, and a bell crank 2 driven as by a reversible electric motor power unit ||3 which may be secured to the X-member 24 rearwardly of the gusset plates 26, 2l.

The adjusting arm structure |05 for the torsion spring assembly7 46, as shown especially in Fig. '1, may have a rotatable follower element H4, which rides on the upper shaped surface of a cam ||5, preferably wedgeshape, of the mechanism |01. The cam I5 at its lower shaped surface rests upon a rotatable follower element H9 of the mechanism |01 journaled on a shaft ||1 fixedly secured to the X-member 25, which follower element ||6 may be positioned in substantially spaced-apartalignment with the other follower element ||4 for the low adjustment position shown in Fig. 7, and the cam l5 reciprocates in the fore and aft direction between such follower elements. The cam ||5 is pivotally attached to an adjusting turnbuckle ||8 having threaded engagement with the link member |00 or tension rod extending along the X-member 25, which link member |09 is also pivotally attached to the end of one of the arms of the bell crank ||2 by a threaded connection H9. The bell crank ||2 is pivotally mounted between the gusset plates 20, 21 on a shaft |20 for imparting reciprocating movement to the cam through the tension rod connections, the arms of the crank swinging through slots in the X-members.

The adjusting arm structure |06 and cam and follower mechanism |08 for the other torsion spring assembly 45 may be similarly arranged except that the adjusting turnbuckle is in threaded engagement with the link member ||0 or tension rod extending along the X-member 24, which link member ||0 is pivotally attached to the other arm of the bell crank intermediate its end and the mounting shaft |20V by a threaded connection |2|. The link member which may be a metal sleeve, is pivotally connected at |22 to the end of said other arm of the bell crank 2, and may be interiorly threaded for engage ing a threaded driving rod |23 rotatively driven by the power unit ||3 through a clevis connection |24. Such driving arrangement accommodates pivotal swinging movement of the bell crank ||2 for permitting such movement to reciprocate the wedge cams of the mechanisms |01, |08, as shown especially in Fig. 1.

When the electric motor power unit ||3 rotates the driving rod |23, for example, in the `clockwise direction looking toward the front of the vehicle, the metal sleeve moves toward the power unit which movement in turn pivots the bell crank |2 about the shaft |20 in a manner Such that the tension rods |09, ||0 move in the rearward direction. Such rearward movement pulls the wedge cams rearwardly between the follower elements of the mechanisms |01, |08

thereby swinging the adjusting arm structures |05, |05 upwardly and rotating the inner shaft elements of the torsion spring assemblies 45, 46. Such rotation of the inner shaft elements changes the torsion stresses in the rubber bodies of the spring assemblies in a manner such that the resultant force urges the frame or ibody structure I5 upwardly relative to the front wheels. Rotation of the power unit ||3 in the counter-clockwise direction reverses the hereinabove-described adjustment of the torsion spring assemblies 45, 40 inasmuch as the cams of the mechanisms |01, |08 move toward the inner shaft elements permitting the adjusting arm structures |05, |00 to swing in the downward direction thus effecting a change in the torsion stress in the rubber bodies of the Spring assemblies such that the resultant force urges the frame downwardly toward the front wheels.

The automatic adjustment of the height of the frame or body structure with respect to the front wheels such, for example, as when changes in load occur, is accomplished by an actuating control means regulating the operation of the power unit ||3 of the automatic adjusting means, and the control means may be arranged to coact responsively with either or both front wheels and preferably with the left front wheel suspension la, as shown especially in Figs. 1, 2 and 4. Such control means includes a switch assembly |25 of the delaying relay type which may be mounted on a bracket |20 attached to the frame I5 in a position to be operated by a switch-operating rod |21 extending from the switch assembly to a U-shape support member |28 carried by the outer sleeve 49 of the torsion spring 45 at the supporting arm 60. The switch-operating rod |21 has a pivotal connection at 21a with the support member |28 and may extend through an aperture in the free end portion of a switch lever |29 in sliding relation therewith, which lever is secured to the projecting end portion of a rotative shaft |30 of the switch assembly.

Equalizing coil springs |3|, |32 of the compression type may be positioned adjustably on the switch-operating rod |21 at each side of the journaled switch lever |29 and between adjusting nuts |33, |34 threadedly engaging the rod |21 at opposite ends of such springs. The coil springs accommodate rapid reciprocating movements of the switch-operating rod `with small change in the open-switch position of the lever, as shown especially in Fig. 4, until a determinate and relatively sustained change in load condition is reached, for which latter condition the: switch lever is permitted to actuate the switch assembly, as hereinafter described, for closing the electrical circuit.

The switch assembly |25 has the journaled shaft 30 centrally positioned between the ends of a partitioned casing |35 and extending transversely thereof through apertures in the walls of a fluid compartment |30 in sealing relation therewith and into a switch contact compartment |31 having a detachable outer wall. The fluid compartment having a detachable filler cap |38 in its upper wall for admitting fluid such, for example, as oil, is in communication with a cylinder compartment |39 through spaced-apart apertures |40, 4|, |42 in its lower wall, which apertures permit oil to flow therethrough to and from the fluid and the cylinder compartments. A piston actuating arm |43, which is secured to the shaft |30 for oscillatory movement, extends downwardly through the elongated aperture |42 1l into voperative engagement with aV double-acting centrally bored piston |44 for reciprocating such piston in the cylinder compartment, which latter compartment may be closed at its ends by detachable sealing nuts |45, |45 for service purposes. Such an arrangement provides for delaying yor damping the swinging movements of .the switch lever |29 operating the switch assembly Upper and lower limit electrical contact elements |45, |41 are `secured at spaced-apart positions to the detachable outer .wall of the contact compartment |37 adjacentV the upper wall thereof and are adapted to be contacted by an arcuate member |48 secured to the shaft 30 and rotating therewith, which shaft may be electrically grounded. Electrical'wires |49, |50 joined tothe contact elements |46, I4?! connect the switch assembly to the electrical circuit including the power unit H3. A suitable manual type switch (not shown) may lbe provided in the electrical power line of the circuit, preferably in conjunction with the ignition switch for the engine and/or at a position convenient to the operator of the vehicle, for rendering the automatic .height adjusting mechanism operative or inoperative at will.

In the operation of the automatic height adjusting means, the switch assembly |25 is normally in the open electrical condition with the switch lever |29 substantially in the open-position, as shown especially in Fig. 4, when the electrical motor of the power unit ||3 is stopped so that the frame l5 yor body structure is maintained at a determinate normal height with repect to the front wheels l0, ll. 'Upon increasing the load on the vehicle, the frame tends to descend with respect to the wheel spindle 64 causing the supporting arm 60 to swing ascendingly about the axis of the torsion spring assembly 4f; rotating the outer sleeve 49 such that the switchoperating rod |21 is urged rearwardly for a sufficient time and to a sufcient extent to overcome the delaying or damping Vaction of the switch assembly and to swing the switch lever |29 so that the arcuate member |48 contacts the contact element |46 completing the electrical circuit, assuming the operator has closed the switch in the power line.

With the closing of the electrical circuit, the power unit I5 rotates the driving rod |23 such that the link member 'is moved toward such power unit so that the tension rods |09, E3 move rearwardly together causing the cams to urge the adjusting arm structures |05, |05 in the upward direction so that the height of the frame is changed simultaneously with respect vto the two front wheels I5, l1. Such movement of the arm structures |05, |05 rotates the inner shaft elements of the torsion spring assemblies 45, 46 in the direction to cause elevation of the frame with respect to the wheels. This action continues until the frame has risen with respect to the wheel spindle 64 to a position where the switch assembly is returned to the open condition with the switch lever |29 in the open-position, whereupon, by stoppage of the power unit I3, the mechanism is held in the adjusted position so that the normal height of the frame with respect to the front wheels is maintained constant or substantially constant despite the increased load.

Upon relieving the vehicle of load, the frame I5 tends to ascend with respect to the wheel spindle 64 causing the supporting arm V60 to swing descendingl-y about the axis of the torsion spring assembly 46 and moving forwardly theV switchoperating rod |2'! in a manner to actuate the arcuate member |43 of the switch assembly into contact with the other vcontact element '.142 completing the electric circuit. vSuch closing of the electric circuit reverses the rotation of the power unit H3 and driving rod |23 causing forward movement of the tension rods |09, ||.0 and cams, which permits swinging simultaneously the adjusting arms |05, |06 in the downward direction rotating the inner shaft elements in the direction to lower the frame with respect to the front wheels. This action continues un'til the` switch assembly |25 is again opened and the .power unit ||3 stopped .so that Vthe height relation of the frame and the wheels is again restored.

In view of the foregoing descriptionit is apparent .that the invention yprovides an improved construction making possible effectively maintaining a large amplitude of springing despite substantial variations in load on the vehicle and softness 0f spring of the front wheels despite such load variations. Also, such improved construction provides for height adjustment of one wheel with respect to the other wheel by means of independently adjusting the tension rods |09, H0 to position the cams as desired relative to the adjusting arms |05, 06. This adjustment permits overcoming unequal creeping cf the 'torsion springs resulting from non-elastic yielding of the rubber in use and it rpermits adjustment to level the vehicle laterally.

The respective suspensions |8c and isa of the rear wheels I8, Vl! are each of the independent type. These suspensions 18a and :Isa provide for spring the rear wheelsrela'tive tothe frame or body structure l5 by means of a pair of resilient rubber torsion spring assemblies |50, '|5i carried by the frame and 'arranged in a diagonal manner such that their axes extend oblique-ly outward. While the spring assemblies may be a-rranged in various ways and the frame or other structure varied accordingly, in the illustrated arrangement, the vaxes of the springs converge toward the Vrear of the vehicle, thereby making possible the desired effective arms of swinging movement. The rear torsion spring assemblies |50, |5| are constructed yand arranged substantially like the front torsion spring assemblies 45, 45 and are adapted to transmit the supported load by torsional stress on the rubber and'fto permit limited cushioned movementin the fore and aftand vertical directions.

The left rear suspension |8a is constructed substantially like the right rear suspension ic; hence only the left rear` suspension will be described in detail. The torsion spring assembly |50 of the left rear suspension l 8a, which is diagonally positioned relative to the vertical longitudinal center-plane Vor plane of symmetry la of the vehicle, is `desirably arranged forwardly of the axle 42 so that the axis of the spring assembly |50 intersects the pivotal axis of a ball and socket joint `connection |52 at the junction of the halfaxle 42 and a .differential gear housing |53, as shown especially in Fig. 1, the arrangement being such that longitudinal and transverse eifective arms of the desired length are provided.

The rear wheels in the construction shown, are not provided with steering mechanism and therefore a shorter transverseV effective arm may be employed in the rear than in the front, this resulting in greater change in track for the rear wheels, giving higher effective roll center and resistance to roll of `the vehicle as a whole.v The longitudinal effective arm being the distance from ground contact of the wheel to the point where the spring axis intersects the longitudinal vertical plane of the wheel, may be so proportioned, forward of the wheel, that braking reaction will cancel to any desired degree the tendency of the rear of the vehicle to lift during brake application.

The fore and aft forces on the wheel, as in accelerating or braking, and the vertical forces due to the elastic support of the sprung portions of the vehicle are taken through the rubber of the torsion spring, making bearings of any sort unnecessary thereby simplifying and lightening the construction and absorbing harshness of ride which would result from rigid bearings. Transverse forces may be taken by the provision of the ball of the ball and socket connection |52 attached to the inner end cf the half-axle 42 and journaled spherically in the diiferential gear housing |53. Optionally, a slip joint |52a between the ball of the connection |52 and the half-axle 42 together with a splined or other flexible joint in the drive shaft which drives the wheel |3 may be included, in which case the torsion spring assembly |50 provides also for the transverse location of the wheel I8 by means of its elastic location on its axis.

The torsion spring assembly |55 having an inner shaft element |54, an outer sleeve structure |55 and a resilient rubber body |55 therebetween and bonded thereto, may be rotatively journaled at one end of the inner shaft |54 on a suitable mounting structure |51 carried by the frame i at the corner plate '3D and is similarly journaled at the other end of the inner shaft |54 on a support member |58 attached to the housing |53, as shown especially in Fig. l. The housing |55 is suitably mounted on the frame I5 between the rear cross members 5B, fil and may have resilient mountings |59 of suitable rubber material. A supporting arm |60 is rigidly secured to the outer sleeve structure |55 and may extend perpendicularly and rearwardly relative to the axis of the spring assembly, the end of the supporting arm being attached as by a bolted connection |5| to a torque bracket |52 rigidly secured to the half-axle 42 adjacent the wheel IB. as shown especially in Figs. 1 and 3. A suitable direct-acting shock absorber |53 is carried by the torque bracket |62 rearwardly of the axle housing and secured to the frame i5, the connection at |54 of the shock absorber |53 to the torque bracket |52 and also to the frame i5 being of the pivotal rubber cushioned type to accommodate relative angular movement. The shock absorber |53 cooperates with the torsion spring assembly E55 in cushioning road shocks.

The rear springing arrangement in addition to providing effective springing action also resiliently maintains the half-axles 42, 43 in substantial alignment and effectively resists torque reaction and driving thrust while avoiding the use of brace rods, radius rods, torque'arms secured to the axles and other related mechanical expediente generally resorted to for such purposes.

Since the torsion spring assembly is selfaligning and requires no bearings as discussed hereinabove, bearing friction with its undesirable drag or dry friction effect is eliminated. The torsion spring assembly by virtue of the resiliency of its rubber body does provide some damping effect in the characteristic hysteresis of such springs and the shock absorber is, therefore, called upon only to control a partially selfdamping springing arrangement with minimuml dry friction effect.

In addition to the feature of automatic adjustment of the front wheels, the invention provides automatic adjusting means in association with the rear torsion spring assemblies |50, |5|, as shown in Fig. 1, for automatically maintaining an adequate range of springing movement of the rear wheels I3, I9 under all conditions of load together with softness of springing despite variations in load. Such rear automatic adjusting means in the construction shown is operable independently of the front adjusting means and is constructed and arranged substantially like the automatic adjusting means for the front wheels l5, |1. The rear adjusting means includes suitable adjusting arm structures |55, |65 xed to the journaled inner shaft elements of the rear torsion spring assemblies |56, |5|, which arm structures |55, |55 are swung to positions of adjustment by suitable carn and follower mechanisms |61, |58 operable through a suitable pivoted linkage structure including link members |39, |15, |1| and a bell-chank |12 driven by a suitable power unit |13 which may be secured to the X-member 24 forwardly of the gusset plates 25, 21, as shown especially in Fig. l, the bellcrank |12 being pivotally mounted on a supporting bracket |14 secured to the X-member 25. The link member |1| is threadedly engaged with a suitable driving rod |15 connected by a clevis connection |15;` to the power unit |13 for actuating the linkage structure.

Suitable actuating control means for regulating the operation of the power unit |13 may be arranged to coact with either or both rear wheels and preferably with the left rear wheel suspension la. Such control means includes a suitable switch assembly |11 mounted on a bracket |18 attached to the cross member 23 in a position to be operated by a suitable switch-operating rod |18 extending from the switch assembly to and pivotally connected with a U`shape support member carried by the outer sleeve structure |55 of the torsion spring assembly |55 at the supporting arm |59. The arrangement of the switch assembly |11 with the switch-operating rod |19 is substantially like the arrangement of the switch assembly |25 with the switchoperating rod |21 with respect to equalizing coil springs |8|, |82 and switch lever E83 construction and operative relationship so as to facilitate the desired delaying relay functioning of the actuating control means, as described hereinabove for the front wheel suspensions Ilia, Ila. Suitable electrical wires |84, connect the switch assembly |11 to the electrical circuit including the power unit |13, the switch assembly being electrically grounded. The automatic height adjusting mechanism may be rendered operative or inoperative at will as by a suitable manual type switch (not shown) in the electrical circuit for the power unit |13.

The adjusting means for the rear wheels opcrates substantially in the same manner as described hereinabove fcr the adjusting means for the front wheels. For increase in load, the frame I5 or body structure tends to descends toward the rear wheels whereupon the supporting arm |50 swings ascendingly about the axis of the torsion spring assembly |56 rotating the outer sleeve |55 such that the switch-operating rod |19 moves forwardly closing the switch assembly |11 and operating the power unit |13. The power unit actuates the rear linkage structure such that the arm structures |65, |66 are swung upwardly rotating the inner shafts of the torsion spring assemblies l, l! in the direction to cause elevation ofthe frame I5 with respect to the rear wheels. This action continues until the normal height of the frame with respect to the rear wheels is attained whereupon the power unit H3 is stopped through the operation of the switch-operating rod H9 and the switch assembly lll opening the electrical circuit. For decrease in load, the frame l5 tends to ascend with respect to the rear wheels and a reverse action of the adjusting means occurs until the normal height relation of the frame and the wheels is again restored.

The construction and arrangement of cooperating elements in the new relationship described hereinabove advantageously makes possible an improved vehicle design and construction resulting in improved riding and steering qualities and having an improved wheel mounting and suspension of a compact unitary character utilizing resilient rubber-like material as the spring medium.

Variations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as it is defined in the following claims.

I claim:

1. A vehicle suspension comprising a dirigible wheel structure atan end of the vehicle, a supported structure, a shaft member mounted on said supported structure at said 'end with the axis of the member disposed in the generally horizontal direction and obliquely intersecting the vertical longitudinal center-plane of the vehicle at said end, Va sleeve member disposed about said shaft member for movements relative thereto in axial, radial, tilting and rotational directions and having an arm projecting therefrom toward said end obliquely away ,from said center-plane and at its outer end having a wheel mounting element, said element having a pivotal steering connection with said wheel structure holding the wheel and arm for springing deflection without change in the relation of the wheel with respect to said arm as a result of the vertical swinging thereof, said arm by Virtue of its oblique disposition and the oblique disposition oi said shaft member translating shock forces imposed on said wheel in each of the longitudinal and transverse directions of the vehicle into combined axial and radial movements of said sleeve member relative to said shaft member, and also translating the vertical defiections of said wheel into relative rotative movements of said members, a lbody of resilient rubber-like material between said members and secured thereto for resiliently resisting all movements of the arm and wheel as a unit with respect to said axis through stresses on said body in the axial, radial, tilting and rotational directions and combinations thereof, and steering means including an operating element pivotally mounted directly on said arm intermediate the ends thereof and pivotally connected to said wheel structure for steering the same.

2. In a vehicle, in combination, a supported structure, a wheel structure, means for mounting said wheel structure on said supported structure for steering movement of said wheel structure about an axis and a shock-absorber connected to said supported structure and to said wheel structure at a position on a non-rotatable Steerable part of theV latter spaced from the io. steering axis for action ofthe V'shock-alos `irber during and as a result of steering movements.

3. In a vehicle, in combination, a supported structure, an arm mounted for vertical swinging movement with respect to said supported structure, a wheel structure mounted on said arm for vertical swinging movement therewith and having a pivotal steering connection with said armv for steering movement of said wheel structure about an axis, springing means between said supported structure and said arm, and a shockabsorber connected to said supported structure and to said wheel structure at a position on a non-rotatable steerable part of the latter spaced from the steering axis for action of the shockabsorber 'during and as a result of both theA swinging and the steering movements.

fi. In a vehicle, in combination, a supported structure, an arm mounted for vertical swinging movement with respect to said supported structure, a wheel structure mounted on said arm for swinging movement of the arm and wheel as a unit with respect to said supported structure without change in the relation of the wheel with respect to the arm as a result of the vertical swinging thereof, springing means `between said supported structure and said arm, said wheel structure having a pivotal steering connection with said arm for steering movement of said wheel structure about an axis, and a shockabsorber connected to said supported structure and to said wheel structure at a position on a non-rotatable steerable part of the'latter spaced from the steering axis for action of the shockabsorber during and as a result of both the swinging and the steering movements.

5. A vehicle suspension comprising a wheel structure, a supported structure having a pair of spaced-apart stud extensions axially aligned in a direction oblique to the vertical longitudinal center-plane of the vehicle, a shaft-member rotatably mounted on said stud extensions, means for adjustably holding said shaft member against rotation with respect to said stud extensions, a sleeve member disposed about said shaft member for movements relative thereto in axial, radial, tilting and rotational directions and having an arm projecting therefrom obliquely of said center-plane and at its outer end having a supporting connection with said wheel structure for movements of the arm and wheel as a unit in all directions including swinging movements thereof about the axis of said stud extensions, said arm `by virtue of its oblique disposition and the oblique disposition of said shaft member translating shock forces imposed on the wheel in each of the longitudinal and transverse directions of the vehicle into combined axial and radial movements of said sleeve member relative to said shaft member and also translating the vertical deflections of saidwheel into relative rotative movements of said members, and a body of resilient rubber-like material between said members and secured thereto for resiliently resisting said movements of said arm and'wheel as a unit through stresses on said body in the axial, radial, tilting and rotational directions and combinations thereof with respect to said axis, and said arm including at its outer end a wheel mounting element having a pivotal connection with said wheel structure for steering movement thereof about an axis, said wheel structure having a projecting steering member, and said arm having steering means including an operating element pivotally mounted directly onV said arm,

17 said operating element being pivotally connected to said steering member of said wheel structure for steering the latter.

6. A vehicle suspension as defined in claim 5 in which said suspension comprises a directaction shock-absorber `pivotally attached in shock-absorbing relation to said supported structure and to said wheel structure at a position on a non-rotatable steerable part of the latter spaced from said axis of steering movement for action of the shock-absorber during and as a result of both the swinging and the steering movements of said wheel structure.

ALVIN S. KROTZ.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

Number UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Brown June 16, 1914 Reese Aug. 311, 1915 Roos Feb. 13, 1934 Haltenberger Sept. 8, 1936 Olley Dec. 8, 1936 Macbeth May 18, 1937 Olley Sept. 7, 1937 Latzen Mar. 22, 1938 Porsche June 20, 1939 Porsche July 4, 1939 Leighton Aug. 1, 1939 Krotz Feb. 20, 1940 Krotz Dec. 24, 1940 Frohlich Feb. 18, 1941 

